Rory

Hi, I'm a professional musician and teacher based in London. My main instruments are the guitar, drums and mandolin. I have more than six years teaching experience and over a decade’s experience playing music in professional performances in different cities around the world, including Seoul, Berlin and London.

I began playing the guitar at the age of fourteen, taking lessons from a family friend and starting a school band which played together regularly. After leaving school, I continued my musical education at university, further exploring the guitar as well as taking up the drums.

In 2009 I moved to South Korea and formed the instrumental band Ether. We relocated to Berlin in 2013 and there I contributed to various gigs and musical projects in the city's extensive music scene.

In 2015, I moved to London and I am now drumming for a soul/funk band called 528 and a Beat.

I have a great love of all kinds of music, and I am experienced in playing many styles, from rock and blues to soul, funk, jazz and electronica.

I am also continuing to research different styles of music myself, such as improvisational music and traditional folk music of Eastern Europe and the Near East.

Tutoring Experience

I am a professional and qualified teacher of over six years teaching experience. I have taught students of different ages and skill levels around the world, including South Korea, Berlin and London.

I began my career teaching English as a foreign language, and my wide experience in this field informs the approach I take to teaching an instrument. I was a full-time teacher in South Korea for three years and I taught English as well as the drums and guitar as a freelance tutor in Berlin for a year.

I conduct lessons to the highest standards. My 120-hour CELTA course and Berlitz teacher training as well as my recent experience in a British Council accredited school in London mean I am familiar with many methods for successful teaching, assessment and feedback.

I am keen to further use my knowledge, skills and experience to help more students successfully learn the guitar and drums.

Tutoring Approach

Lessons are available in guitar, drums, mandolin and bass guitar.

In our first free lesson, you’ll get an idea of what to expect from my course. I’ll learn a bit about you, what level you’re at and what you want to get out of the lessons. And most importantly, we’ll get you playing the instrument straight away.

In my opinion, the most important part of learning an instrument is to enjoy playing and be creative. I will tailor my lessons to your individual needs and tastes, and keep the right level of challenge in order to keep you steadily progressing.

Students of all ages, levels and abilities are welcome, including absolute beginners. If you’re not a beginner but you want to brush up on your playing, we’ll see where you’re at from the trial lesson. Feel free to get in touch if you have particular needs or interests.

To see the best progress, I recommend you take at least one lesson a week.

Normally, lessons are conducted in my home studio in Edmonton. However, I am more than happy to come to you. If you do want lessons at your location, remember that you will need your own equipment (drum kit or guitar). Also, transportation costs including travel time and ticket fare must be taken into account.

Languages

English (British)

Availability

Weekends, Weekdays (all times)

References Available

On File

Qualifications

Berlin School of English

2014

Other

Cambridge Certificate CELTA

University of Kent

2008

Bachelors

BA Hons Classical & Archaeological Studies (2:1)

Rory's Feedback

Feedback

14

Published feedback

14

Unpublished feedback(Usually negative)

0

From Safiyah

Great teacher and really encouraging. I’ve only had 2 lessons but have learnt so much already. I like his style of teaching and how he’s understanding!

I definitely recommend!

Great teacher and really encouraging. I’ve only had 2 lessons but have learnt so much already. I like his style of teaching and how he’s understand... Read more ›

From Khalid

I have had a lot of guitar teachers over the years to try and get me playing regularly and inspire me (I'm a beginner and my problem has always been that I get bored easily, impatient and can't manage my own expectations properly and I want to become a rock star overnight). None have inspired me more than Rory. Really patient and calm and explains the theoretical aspects of guitar playing really well. Very positive and most importantly he has helped me to manage my expectations.

The stuff we practise both in lessons and what he sets me for homework are fun and motivates me to keep playing. None of my previous teachers were ever able to do that. He gives me specially made notes on what we have covered in each lesson for me to look at and practise, colourful and well laid out for a beginner like me who needs that. Each week progresses in a logical way where I understand how it's helping me take the next step. I can't recommend Rory highly enough!

I have had a lot of guitar teachers over the years to try and get me playing regularly and inspire me (I'm a beginner and my problem has always bee... Read more ›

From Miriam

From Ian

Rory was vert attentive to what I wanted to get from the lessons, he was very supportive and patient. On first impressions I would heartily recommend him.

Rory was vert attentive to what I wanted to get from the lessons, he was very supportive and patient. On first impressions I would heartily recomme... Read more ›

From Sayan

Rory is an excellent teacher of mandolin. He knows his stuff well. He is very professional in his teaching but flexible at the same time. He does homework before every class and design the lessons. I would recommend Rory to any Mandolin student in London.

Thanks
Sayan

Rory is an excellent teacher of mandolin. He knows his stuff well. He is very professional in his teaching but flexible at the same time. He does h... Read more ›